Fulfilling Our Mission: Save the Lost, Grow the Saved

Saving the Lost, Growing the Saved: The True Mission of the Church

In a world that often seems lost and broken, what is the true purpose of the church? Is it merely a place to gather on Sundays, or does it have a greater calling? As we delve into this question, we uncover a powerful motto that encapsulates the church's mission: "Save the Lost, Grow the Saved."

This simple yet profound statement stems from Jesus' own teaching, specifically His Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

To truly fulfill this mission, there are four key aspects we must consider:

1. It Takes Every Single One of Us

The body of Christ is not a spectator sport. Each member has a vital role to play, as emphasized in 2 Corinthians 12:14-16 and Ephesians 4:11-16. Every believer has been equipped with specific gifts and ministries. Whether it's greeting newcomers, maintaining the facilities, or teaching, each role is equally important in God's eyes.

Consider this: If you're absent, your ministry doesn't get done, and someone misses out on being ministered to. Conversely, your absence also deprives you of receiving ministry from others. Our interconnectedness is beautifully illustrated in Ephesians 4, where Paul describes the body of Christ growing and building itself up in love when each part works properly.

2. Growing the Saved

While it might seem counterintuitive to address this before "saving the lost," spiritual growth is crucial for effective evangelism. A church full of spiritual infants cannot effectively nurture others. Hebrews 5:11-14 presents a challenging picture, describing believers who should be teachers but still need milk instead of solid food.

How do we move from milk to meat? Colossians 3:16-17 provides guidance: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Growth comes through immersing ourselves in God's Word, allowing it to permeate every aspect of our lives. It's about more than just knowledge; it's about application and obedience.

3. Saving the Lost

As we grow in Christ, we naturally become more equipped to fulfill the Great Commission. Jude 1:20-23 paints a vivid picture of this calling: "But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh."

This passage reminds us of the urgency of our mission. We're not called to be passive observers but active rescuers, snatching others from the fire of eternal separation from God. Our own experience of God's mercy should compel us to extend that same mercy to others, even as we maintain a healthy fear of sin.

4. The Church Must Be Present

Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts us: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

In an age of digital convenience, it's tempting to substitute online streaming for physical presence in church. While technology can be a blessing for those truly unable to attend, it should never become an excuse for laziness or disengagement. The body of Christ thrives on face-to-face fellowship, encouragement, and mutual stirring up to love and good works.

A Call to Action

As we reflect on these truths, let's consider a often-overlooked ministry described in James 5:13-15: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."

This passage calls us to a deeper level of vulnerability and faith within the church community. It challenges us to set aside our pride and seek prayer and anointing when we're sick or struggling. A church that embraces this practice demonstrates its reliance on God's power and its commitment to caring for one another.

In a world plagued by addiction, lostness, and self-centeredness, the church is called to be a beacon of light. It's time to move beyond comfortable Christianity and truly become a Bible-living community. This means taking what we've learned within the walls of the church and applying it in our daily lives, in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and beyond.

The call is clear: We must stop being comfortable with sinners dying and going to hell. Instead, we're called to fight for them, to snatch them from the fire, to show them the transformative love and mercy of Christ.

As we embrace this mission to save the lost and grow the saved, let's remember that it's not about creating more programs or ministries. It's about men and women growing daily in Christ and living out the calling He has placed on their lives. It's about being the Church in its fullest, most vibrant sense.

Are you ready to join this mission? Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone, to grow in your faith, and to reach out to those who are lost? The world is waiting, and the harvest is plentiful. Let's answer the call together, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to truly be the Church that Christ envisioned – a force for transformation, hope, and eternal salvation in a world that desperately needs it.